4For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 [The Amplified Bible]
57But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:57 [The Amplified Bible]
You have already won!
You have been adopted into the Family of the King! You have an inheritance that no one can steal or ruin!
No matter what the world has to say about it, you win!
But we often don’t act like we have won
1] You must take on the persona of a Winner
We are often like the homeless man walking railroad tracks . . .
He was stopped by a train gang but he retorted “You can’t stop me from walking on these tracks, I got a ticket . . . “
The gang leader said “let me see that”
“This doesn’t authorize you to walk on these tracks, this is a first class ticket! You could sit on the train, rest yourself and check your bag while you eat in the dining car! People would wait on you hand and foot.”
We fail to realize the privilege of being adopted into royalty. We act like beggars when we have every opportunity to press our way in and place our petition in front of the King!
The world is going to try to beat you down;
Your friends are going to treat you like a stepchild.
We cannot act as the world does, much as they appear to have no hope.
The winner knows that he has won with the quiet confidence and assurance of victory. Not in-your-face, but knowing that if not for the Lord who provides the victory and surely the team, no victory is won.
2] You must take on the purpose of a Winner
Caleb’s purpose was to enter the promised land and he completely disregarded the obstacles and enemies placed before him and kept his purpose. Forty years later he was 85 with the same strength and will to enter and receive his inheritance. [Joshua 14] As it was for him so it is now for us.
Winners keep their eyes on the prize – the prizes we receive are the great and wonderful promises He has given us, they are written throughout the Bible. The writer of Hebrews says by faith and patience we inherit the promises [6:12]
Several Bible Heroes have had their names changed. The change denoted not just their recognition of God in their life, but an acceptance of a new nature so Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel
Hence we have a promise that I would like to formalize with you all now:
17He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give him a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it. [The Amplified Bible]
Revelation Chapter 2